A North Warren Regional School District physical education teacher will lose his job over accusations that he exchanged a stolen school computer for heroin, authorities and a school official said today.

Justin Mannick, 28, of the 1500 block of Belvidere Road in Lopatcong Township, was charged with third-degree theft on March 9 for taking a computer from the Blairstown Township school and selling it in exchange for heroin, according to Warren County Prosecutor Thomas S. Ferguson.

Today, Mannick received an additional charge of official misconduct for selling school property for personal benefit, Ferguson said.

Mannick was sent to Warren County jail in lieu of $20,000 bail on the theft charge. The additional charge will not affect his bail, Ferguson said.

North Warren Superintendent Brian Fogelson confirmed today that Mannick has been suspended, and said the school board has voted to terminate his contract effective May 16.

"I can't comment too much right now because it's a legal matter," Fogelson said. "It's very unfortunate and very sad. But I think the school (board) took action to protect the students and protect the school."

Little information on the investigation that led to Mannick's arrest was available. Ferguson said the charges may have stemmed from evidence uncovered in an unrelated and undisclosed investigation.